Time

Sociology

COURSE CONTENT

The course takes a linear approach and is therefore studied over two years. It consists of three papers that all contribute to our understanding of the world in which we live.

Year 1: There are three units studied in Year 1, the first being families and households. This unit aims to look at the relationship between families and households and the changes that they have been through over the past 100 years. It will explore the division of labour and domestic relationships that take place in the home, alongside the role of childhood and key changes that have occurred. Education is another key unit that is studied here, exploring the reasons as to why certain groups do well or underachieve in education, with specific focus on class, gender and ethnicity, exploring the internal and external factors. There will also be a strong focus on social policy and how this affects the world of education. Finally in Year 12 research methods will be explored, looking at the different methods sociologists use, alongside key pieces of research.

Year 2: There are again three units studied in Year 2, the first being beliefs in society. Here students will explore the relationship between religion and society and the role it has in uniting people. There will also be a focus on cults and sects and how they can impact on society, alongside the role of globalisation and the impact of fundamentalism. Another key unit is crime and deviance; students will explore the sociological theory explaining why crime occurs in society. The notion of class, gender, age and ethnicity will also be examined here, looking in particular at the stereotypical criminal and challenging that concept. Finally theory and methods will be studied, looking at the theoretical background of sociology. Key discussions will focus around the debates that sociology can be a science, the value ladened nature of sociology and the impact it has on social policy.

ASSESSMENT

At the end of the two years students will sit three papers all lasting 2 hours consisting of a number of different question styles; both short answers and essays, all equally weighted at 80 marks per paper.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Due to the academic nature of this subject students will be expected to have 5 level 5’s including a 5 in English.

WHY STUDY sociology?

Sociology aims to open student’s eyes to the world that is o en hidden from view, challenging perceptions and encouraging students to question what they see. It is also an essay based subject which therefore provides valuable analytical skills that can be transferred to any degree.

Financial Information

You will need to purchase general stationery items, eg pens, paper, files etc. There will be a chance for students to take part in a visit to London in their A2 year which will cost approximately £100.

The Academy will not charge for books, materials, equipment and instruction in connection with the National Curriculum or Statutory Religious Education taught at school, except where parents have indicated in advance their wish to purchase the product.

Exam Charging Policy:

– Students with less than 85% attendance may, under the discretion of the Sixth Form Office, be asked to pay for their exam entry.

– Exam resits that are made at the request of the post 16 students will be charged at full price.

– When it is not possible to obtain a refund, full price will be charged to students for:

– the Summer Exam entry, if they withdraw from the subject after 20 April. – non-attendance at an exam without good reason.

BTEC students, who leave the Academy prior to the conclusion of the course, will be charged £50.

Future Opportunities

Due to its academic nature and essay writing demands sociology is a well-respected course by universities. It can provide a sound foundation for a wide range of courses in Higher Education. Many students move on to study sociology, social policy, law, human resource management, social work, probation, primary and secondary teaching and criminology. It can be also a great foundation for work within the police, teaching and social work.

Further Information

Sociology is for anyone who has an interest in examining the way we view the world and is an ideal choice for students looking for a career that involves working with people. Career possibilities include teaching, the police, social work, nursing, paramedics, journalism and human resources.

Sociology aims to open student’s eyes to the world that is often hidden from view, challenging perceptions and encouraging students to question what they see.

The Department is an expanding, well-resourced area with access to ICT. There will be many opportunities during the course for students to engage in both individual and group work. The well qualified, specialist teachers deliver the course through a mixture of formal teaching, group discussions, and individual tutorials.